052 How do we grow the game? A major way has been the huge popularity of live-streamed events with star players and world-class commentary. But whether that commentary is engaging and accessible to chess fans is critical to our game’s popularity.

So, what should you look for in chess commentary?

That’s a major theme that I discuss with GM Jon Ludvig Hammer in this week’s episode.

Hammer has been a professional commentator for nearly a decade. He regularly works for TV 2 Norway. He’s also been a contributor for Chess.com and GM Hikaru Nakamura’s Twitch channel.

Prior to his commentator career, Hammer reached Super GM status with a 2705 FIDE rating. And he was Magnus Carlsen’s second in the 2013 and 2014 World Chess Championships.

In this episode, Hammer and I also discuss a key improvement topic:

Do you need to play classical chess to become a better player? (We take different views!)

Plus, enjoy an episode that’s more discussion-style instead of the usual interview format, per Hammer’s request.

More from Jon Ludvig Hammer:

Photo Credit: The superb photo used for this episode comes from photographer and WFM Maria Emelianova. You can follow her on Twitch and Twitter.

----
Please Leave a Positive Rating If You Enjoyed This Episode

If you enjoyed this or other episodes, please leave a 5-star rating on Spotify or Apple. Then, DM me on Twitter or email me (scroll to the bottom) and let me know you did. I'll reply personally with a thank you!

-----
How You Can Support the Pod:

Join this show’s Patreon called “Podcast Perks” and get benefits like:

Submitting questions to guests
A shout-out of your name on the pod
Vote on future topics/guests
Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates about the show
DM me any month for a brief chat on chess or episodes

Click here to join the Patreon for The Chess Experience.

Or you can…

>>Support this pod by grabbing a chess.com membership which will help you improve your chess & defeat your enemies. A small portion will fund this pod - and every bit helps! Just click this link.

>> Neither? How about checking out Daniel's chess.com profile? Witness his countless, embarrassing blitz losses. He even accepts some friend requests. (Ad)

[FOCUS] Créer un déficit foncier permanent : les 3 effets kiss cool d’Hubert